Workers’ AI usage surges by 66% – Report

The usage of artificial intelligence among knowledge workers surged to 66 per cent in 2024 from 38 per cent recorded in 2023, the second annual HP Work Relationship Index has revealed.

The report obtained by The PUNCH stated that workers who used AI were 11 points happier with their relationship with work than their colleagues who didn’t.

The report is a comprehensive study that explores the world’s relationship with work.

The report also noted that only 28 per cent of knowledge workers from various industries around the world had a healthy relationship with work, a one-point increase compared to 2023.

“AI usage among knowledge workers surged to 66 per cent in 2024, up from 38 per cent last year; and workers who use AI are 11-points happier with their relationship with work than their colleagues who don’t,” it said.

According to the report, at least two-thirds of knowledge workers desire personalised work experiences; and 87 per cent would be willing to forgo a portion of their salary to get it.

It declared that only 44 per cent of leaders had confidence in their human skills, adding that female business leaders were significantly more confident than their male counterparts.

The study, which surveyed 15,600 respondents across industries in 12 countries, revealed that work was still not working.

The President and Chief Executive Officer of HP Inc., Enrique Lores, said, “We know employer and employee expectations have evolved and we believe smart technology is key to meeting the needs of today’s workforce.”

Lores added that the future of work would be unlocked by using the power of AI to create solutions and experiences that drive business growth and enable individuals to achieve personal and professional fulfilment.

The HP CEO stated that in its second year, the study continued to analyse aspects of people’s relationships with work, including the role of work in their lives, their skills, abilities, tools, workspaces, and their expectations of leadership.

According to Lores, this year, WRI reveals a major universal need from knowledge workers: personalized work experiences.

“At least two-thirds of workers expressed a desire for personalised work experiences, including tailored workspaces, access to preferred technologies, and flexible working environments. These experiences are crucial for improving relationships with work, and have positive implications for both employees and businesses,” he averred.

Lores disclosed that 64 per cent of knowledge workers narrated that if work was tailored or customised to personal needs and preferences, they would be more invested in their company’s growth.

Meanwhile, at the global scale, the index highlighted little change, countries that saw an increase in their work relationship index saw slight improvement across the six key drivers of a healthy relationship with work most notably the leadership and fulfilment drivers.

HP Inc. is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most.